keep a diary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a diary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should record their thoughts, feelings or experiences in a journal. For example, you could say "I'm trying to get into the habit of keeping a diary - it's a great way to unload your stress!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Keep a diary," she advised.

The New Yorker

Do you keep a diary or journal?

The New Yorker

"Do you keep a diary?

The New York Times

Did she once keep a diary?

The New York Times

COL. AMEN: Did Canaris keep a diary?

Yale University

Both of them keep a diary.

The New Yorker

Does anyone now keep a diary?

The Guardian - Books

Do you keep a diary in good times or bad?

University of California, Berkeley

Write out your problems or keep a diary.

Independent

If they have to keep a diary, they do it.

The New York Times

She doesn't keep a diary, and is not writing now.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When tracking symptoms or reactions for medical reasons, "keep a diary" to provide detailed information to your healthcare provider.

Common error

Don't assume that simply "keeping a diary" automatically makes you a skilled writer. While it can improve self-reflection and memory, it requires dedicated effort to refine writing style and storytelling abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a diary" functions as an imperative, often used to advise or suggest that someone should regularly record their experiences, thoughts, or feelings in a personal journal. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is used both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep a diary" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that encourages the practice of regular journaling for personal, therapeutic, or practical purposes. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and demonstrates its prevalence across various contexts, from news media and scientific studies to personal advice in wikis. Whether used to track symptoms, record daily experiences, or foster self-reflection, the act of "keep a diary" remains a valuable tool for personal growth and documentation. Its versatility and common usage make it an easily understandable and applicable suggestion in many scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a journal

Uses a more formal term "journal" instead of "diary".

write in a diary

Focuses on the action of writing within a diary.

record your thoughts daily

Emphasizes the daily recording aspect.

jot down your experiences

Highlights the act of quickly noting down experiences.

document your daily life

Suggests a more comprehensive recording of daily events.

chronicle your day to day

Emphasizes the chronological aspect of recording daily events.

log your activities

Implies a more structured and systematic recording of activities.

create a personal record

Broadens the scope to include any form of personal documentation.

note down daily reflections

Focuses on recording personal thoughts and reflections.

make regular entries in a log

Uses a more formal term "log" and emphasizes regular entries.

FAQs

How can "keep a diary" help with personal growth?

The practice of "keep a diary" promotes self-reflection, helps in tracking personal progress, and can improve emotional awareness. Regular journaling allows you to revisit past experiences and learn from them.

What are the benefits of using "keep a diary" for mental health?

The act of "keep a diary" can be a therapeutic outlet for stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. It allows you to process emotions, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies in a private space.

What's the difference between "keep a diary" and "write an autobiography"?

"Keep a diary" involves regular, ongoing entries about daily life, thoughts, and feelings, while "write an autobiography" is a retrospective account of one's entire life or a significant period, often intended for publication or wider readership.

What digital tools can I use to "keep a diary"?

Besides traditional notebooks, you can "keep a diary" using various digital tools, such as journaling apps, note-taking software, or even a private blog. These tools offer features like password protection, multimedia integration, and cloud syncing for accessibility.